Sunday, August 16, 2009

Swine flu in India is spreading like wildfire, taking the toll to six.Officials say there are currently more than 800 cases of the H1N1 flustrain in India. Governments from all around the world are findingways to combat this deadly disease. The symptoms of this disease arehigh fever, aches, fatigue, coughing or breathing difficulties,headaches, vomitting and diarrhoea. So what can you do to protectyourself? Stay calm and practice these 10 effective prevention tips.

1. Wash your hands frequently

Use antibacterial soaps to cleanse your hands. Wash them often, atleast 15 seconds and rinse with running water ( Branch Managers arerequested to ensure availability of antibacterial soaps in thetoilets)

2. Get enough sleep

Try to get 8 hours of good sleep every night to keep your immunesystem in top flu-fighting shape.

3. Keep hydrated and stay in ventilated rooms.

Drink 8 to10 glasses of water each day to flush toxins from yoursystem and maintain good moisture and mucous production in yoursinuses. Avoid use of airconditioners and permit as much of aircirculation as possible.

The government is taking necessary steps to prevent the pandemic andperiodically release guidelines to keep the pandemic away. Please makesure to keep up to date on the information and act in a calm manner.

6. Avoid alcohol

Apart from being a mood depressant, alcohol is an immune suppressantthat can actually decrease your resistance to viral infections likeswine flu. So stay away from alcoholic drinks so that your immunesystem may be strong.

7. Be physically active

Moderate exercise can support the immune system by increasingcirculation and oxygenating the body. For example brisk walking for30-40 minutes 3-4 times a week will significantly perk up yourimmunity.

8. Keep away from sick people

Flu virus spreads when particles dispersed into the air through acough or sneeze reach someone elseâ€™s nose. So if you have to bearound someone who is sick, try to stay a few feet away from them andespecially, avoid physical contact.

9. Know when to get help

Consult your doctor if you have a cough and fever and follow theirinstructions, including taking medicine as prescribed.